Embodiments of the invention relate to a communication system for vehicles and an associated method. A method includes receiving a command message from a first vehicle at a second vehicle, wherein the first vehicle and second vehicle are communicatively coupled to define at least a portion of a vehicle group; receiving a status reply message from the second vehicle at the first vehicle in response to a trigger event; controlling an operation of one or more vehicles in the vehicle group based at least in part on a determined communications status of a communication network comprising at least one communication device with respect to the command message and the status reply message.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method comprising: transmitting, by a lead communication device of a lead vehicle, a command message; receiving, by a plurality of communication devices of a respective plurality of remote vehicles, the command message; transmitting, by a communication device of at least one remote vehicle of the plurality of remote vehicles, a status reply message in response to receipt of the command message, wherein at least a portion of the command message is repeated within the status reply message; receiving, by a communication device of at least one other remote vehicle of the plurality of remote vehicles, the status reply message including the repeated at least a portion of the command message; incrementing, at the at least one other remote vehicle of the plurality of remote vehicles, a current status reply count in response to the receipt of the status reply message including the repeated at least a portion of the command message from the at least one remote vehicle of the plurality of remote vehicles; transmitting, by the communication device of the at least one other remote vehicle of the plurality of remote vehicles, an expanded status reply message including the current status reply count to the lead communication device of the lead vehicle; receiving, by the lead communication device of the lead vehicle, the expanded status reply message; determining, by an on-board processor of the lead vehicle, a communications status of a communication device of the at least one remote vehicle with respect to the command message, based at least partly on the current status reply count in the expanded status reply message received from the at least one other remote vehicle; and controlling, by the on-board processor of the lead vehicle, at least one of a throttle and a brake of the at least one remote vehicle based on the communications status of the communication device of the at least one remote vehicle with respect to the command message.
2. A method comprising: receiving a command message from a first vehicle at a second vehicle, wherein the first vehicle and second vehicle are communicatively coupled to define at least a portion of a vehicle group; receiving a status reply message from the second vehicle at the first vehicle in response to a trigger event, the status reply message including a command received count that represents a number of times that the status reply message has been received from at least one vehicle in the vehicle group other than the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the trigger event including one or more of receipt of the command message, elapse of a determined time period, or a change in an operational state of the second vehicle; controlling an operation of one or more vehicles in the vehicle group based at least in part on a communications status of a communication network that includes at least one communication device of each of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the communications status of the communication network determined based on the command received count; determining a location of at least one of the second vehicle or the first vehicle where the command received count is determined.
This invention relates to vehicle communication systems, specifically methods for managing and controlling operations within a group of interconnected vehicles. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable communication and coordination among vehicles in a group, particularly in dynamic environments where communication status may vary due to factors like signal interference, vehicle movement, or operational state changes. The method involves a first vehicle sending a command message to a second vehicle, both part of a vehicle group. The second vehicle responds with a status reply message upon a trigger event, which can be the receipt of the command, a set time period elapsing, or a change in the second vehicle's operational state. The status reply includes a command received count, tracking how many times the message has been received from other vehicles in the group. This count helps assess the communication network's status, which is used to control operations of one or more vehicles in the group. The method also determines the location of the first or second vehicle where the command received count is evaluated, ensuring spatial context is considered in decision-making. The approach enhances coordination by dynamically adjusting vehicle operations based on real-time communication reliability and group-wide message propagation.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the command message is repeated within the status reply message.
A method for improving communication reliability in a system where a command message is sent from a sender to a receiver and a status reply message is sent from the receiver back to the sender. The method addresses the problem of communication errors or losses that can occur during message transmission, particularly in environments with high interference or noise. To mitigate this, the method involves repeating at least a portion of the original command message within the status reply message. This repetition allows the sender to verify the integrity and accuracy of the received command by comparing the original and repeated portions. The status reply message may include additional information, such as a confirmation of successful receipt or an error indication, but the inclusion of the repeated command portion ensures that the sender can reconstruct or validate the command if needed. This technique is particularly useful in systems where retransmission of the entire command is inefficient or impractical, such as in low-bandwidth or high-latency environments. The method enhances reliability without requiring additional communication rounds, reducing overhead and improving overall system performance.
4. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising determining the communications status based at least partly on the command received count.
A system and method for managing communications in a networked environment, particularly where devices or nodes may experience intermittent connectivity or communication failures. The invention addresses the challenge of ensuring reliable communication between devices by monitoring and assessing communication status based on command reception metrics. The method involves tracking the number of commands received by a device or node over a period of time, and using this count to determine the communication status. This status assessment helps in identifying communication issues, such as dropped commands or failed transmissions, and enables corrective actions to be taken. The method may also include adjusting communication parameters, such as retransmission rates or error correction protocols, based on the determined status. By dynamically monitoring and responding to communication metrics, the system improves reliability and efficiency in networked environments where connectivity may be unstable or unpredictable. The invention is particularly useful in applications such as industrial automation, IoT networks, and remote monitoring systems where consistent communication is critical.
5. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising modifying the status reply message to create an expanded status reply, wherein the expanded status reply comprises a first status reply and a second status reply, where each of the first and second status replies is sent from a different vehicle in the vehicle group.
This invention relates to vehicle communication systems, specifically methods for enhancing status reply messages in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) networks. The problem addressed is the limited information provided in standard status replies, which can hinder efficient coordination and decision-making among vehicles in a group. The method involves modifying a status reply message to create an expanded status reply. The expanded status reply combines a first status reply from one vehicle with a second status reply from another vehicle in the same group. This aggregation allows multiple vehicles to share their status information in a single message, reducing communication overhead and improving data consistency across the network. The expanded status reply may include data such as position, speed, direction, or other operational parameters from each contributing vehicle, enabling better situational awareness and coordination. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where vehicles need to operate in close proximity or as part of a coordinated group, such as platooning, convoy operations, or collision avoidance systems. By consolidating status updates from multiple vehicles, the system ensures that all participants receive timely and comprehensive information, enhancing safety and efficiency. The approach minimizes redundant transmissions and optimizes bandwidth usage in V2V communication networks.
6. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising determining the communications status of the communication network.
A method for managing communications in a networked system involves monitoring the operational state of a communication network to ensure reliable data transmission. The method includes assessing the network's ability to handle data traffic, such as evaluating bandwidth availability, latency, or signal strength, to determine if the network is operational or degraded. This assessment helps identify potential disruptions or inefficiencies in data transfer. The method may also involve adjusting communication parameters, such as transmission rates or retry intervals, based on the network's status to optimize performance. Additionally, it may include selecting alternative communication paths or protocols if the primary network is unavailable or underperforming. The goal is to maintain seamless and efficient data exchange by dynamically adapting to network conditions, ensuring robustness in environments where network reliability is critical, such as in industrial automation, IoT devices, or remote monitoring systems. The method may be implemented in a system where devices periodically check network health and adjust their communication strategies accordingly to prevent data loss or delays.
7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the at least a communication device includes a plurality of communication devices disposed on the first vehicle and the second vehicle, and the communications status of the communication network is determined based at least partly on the command received count received by a communication device onboard the first vehicle.
This invention relates to a vehicle communication system designed to monitor and manage communications between vehicles. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring reliable communication between vehicles, particularly in dynamic environments where communication links may be unstable or interrupted. The invention involves a method for determining the communication status of a network connecting multiple vehicles, where at least one communication device is used to assess the network's performance. The method includes monitoring the number of commands received by a communication device onboard a first vehicle from other vehicles, such as a second vehicle. The communication status is evaluated based on this received command count, allowing the system to detect issues like signal interference, latency, or disruptions. The communication devices are distributed across the vehicles, enabling decentralized monitoring and improving fault tolerance. By analyzing the received command count, the system can identify communication failures or degradation, triggering corrective actions such as rerouting data or adjusting transmission parameters to maintain connectivity. This approach enhances the reliability of inter-vehicle communication, which is critical for applications like autonomous driving, fleet coordination, and safety systems. The method ensures that communication networks remain robust even in challenging conditions, supporting seamless vehicle-to-vehicle interactions.
8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the second vehicle is one of a plurality of remote vehicles of the vehicle group, the method further comprising: confirming or logging receipt of the command message by one or more of the remote vehicles based at least in part on a respective status reply message from the one or more of the remote vehicles; and controlling, by an on-board controller, at least one of a throttle, brake, steering, yaw, or elevation of one or more vehicles in the vehicle group at least partly in response to the confirmed or logged receipt of the command message.
This invention relates to coordinated control of multiple vehicles in a vehicle group, addressing the challenge of ensuring reliable command execution and status feedback across distributed autonomous or remotely controlled vehicles. The method involves a system where a command message is transmitted to a second vehicle, which is part of a larger group of remote vehicles. Each vehicle in the group can confirm or log receipt of the command by sending a status reply message. An on-board controller then adjusts at least one of the throttle, brake, steering, yaw, or elevation of one or more vehicles in the group based on the confirmed or logged receipt of the command. This ensures synchronized and verifiable control over the vehicle group, improving coordination and safety in autonomous or remote vehicle operations. The system may involve multiple remote vehicles, each capable of providing feedback to confirm command execution, allowing for real-time adjustments and error handling. The method enhances reliability in scenarios where precise control of multiple vehicles is required, such as in autonomous fleets, drone swarms, or coordinated robotic systems.
9. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising controlling, via an on-board controller of the first vehicle, at least one of a throttle, brake, steering, yaw, or elevation of at least one other vehicle in the vehicle group.
This invention relates to coordinated control of multiple vehicles, particularly for managing the movement and positioning of a group of vehicles. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently controlling a fleet of vehicles to maintain desired formations, optimize performance, or ensure safety during operation. The method involves using an on-board controller in a first vehicle to regulate at least one of the throttle, brake, steering, yaw, or elevation of one or more other vehicles in the group. This allows the first vehicle to dynamically adjust the movement of other vehicles, ensuring coordinated actions such as formation flying, synchronized maneuvers, or collision avoidance. The system may also include communication between vehicles to share control signals or sensor data, enabling real-time adjustments. The invention is applicable in scenarios where precise control of multiple vehicles is required, such as in autonomous vehicle fleets, drone swarms, or military applications. The method enhances operational efficiency, safety, and responsiveness by centralizing control functions within a lead vehicle while allowing individual vehicles to respond to environmental or mission-specific demands.
10. The method according to claim 9 , wherein controlling is performed in a less restrictive manner for a determination that a confirmed receipt of the command message by the at least one other vehicle of the vehicle group relative to a determination that the at least one other vehicle has not received the command message.
This invention relates to vehicle communication systems, specifically methods for managing command message delivery within a group of vehicles. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable and efficient command message transmission while minimizing unnecessary restrictions on vehicle operations. The method involves a vehicle group where one vehicle sends a command message to at least one other vehicle. The system monitors whether the command message is successfully received by the other vehicle(s). If confirmed receipt is detected, the controlling mechanism operates in a less restrictive manner, allowing more flexibility in vehicle operations. Conversely, if receipt is not confirmed, the system imposes stricter controls to ensure message delivery or system safety. The method may include steps such as transmitting the command message, determining receipt status, and adjusting control parameters based on that status. The system may use various communication protocols or confirmation signals to verify message receipt. The less restrictive control mode may involve allowing normal vehicle operations, while the more restrictive mode may include limiting speed, direction, or other operational parameters until message receipt is confirmed. This approach improves communication reliability in vehicle groups by dynamically adjusting control based on message delivery status, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. The system is particularly useful in scenarios where coordinated vehicle actions are required, such as platooning or cooperative driving.
11. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one communication device is a first communication device of a plurality of communication devices, the method further comprising: determining that the first communication device has not received a respective status reply message from a second communication device of the plurality of communication devices that is associated with at least one second vehicle; and determining a device communications status of the second communication device based at least partly on a status reply count in an expanded status reply message.
This invention relates to vehicle communication systems, specifically addressing the challenge of monitoring and maintaining reliable communication between multiple vehicles and their associated communication devices. The method involves a network of communication devices, where each device is linked to a vehicle and periodically exchanges status messages to ensure operational integrity. If a first communication device fails to receive a status reply from a second communication device associated with another vehicle, it assesses the second device's communication status by analyzing a status reply count within an expanded status reply message. This expanded message aggregates status information from multiple devices, allowing the first device to infer the second device's operational state even if direct communication is disrupted. The system enhances fault detection and network resilience by leveraging indirect status updates, ensuring continuous monitoring of vehicle communication networks. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where direct communication is unreliable, such as in dynamic or congested environments, by providing a fallback mechanism for status verification.
12. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising delaying, for a determined period of time, designation of the device communications status of the second communication device.
A method for managing device communications status in a network involves monitoring the communication status of a first communication device and a second communication device. The method includes detecting a change in the communication status of the first device, such as a transition from an active to an inactive state or vice versa. Upon detecting this change, the method determines whether the second communication device is in a specific state, such as a low-power or standby mode. If the second device is in this state, the method delays designating the communication status of the second device for a predetermined period. This delay allows the second device to transition to an active state before its status is updated, preventing premature or incorrect status designations. The method ensures accurate and timely communication status updates across the network, improving reliability and efficiency in device interactions. The delay mechanism helps avoid unnecessary status changes and reduces system overhead by synchronizing status updates with device activity cycles.
13. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising repeatedly generating the status reply message without prompting generation of the status reply message from receipt of the command message.
A system and method for managing communication between a server and a client device involves generating status reply messages in response to command messages. The method includes receiving a command message from a client device at a server, where the command message includes a request for a status update. The server processes the command message and generates a status reply message containing the requested status information. The status reply message is then transmitted back to the client device. Additionally, the method includes repeatedly generating and transmitting status reply messages without requiring a new command message from the client device. This allows the server to proactively update the client device with status information at regular intervals or based on predefined conditions, reducing the need for repeated command requests from the client. The system ensures efficient communication by minimizing unnecessary message exchanges while maintaining up-to-date status information. The method is particularly useful in applications where real-time or near-real-time status updates are critical, such as in industrial automation, remote monitoring, or IoT device management. The repeated generation of status replies can be configured based on system requirements, such as time intervals, event triggers, or changes in status.
14. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising: determining whether a first communication device of the second vehicle has received the command message; and repeatedly communicating the command message from the first vehicle until a controller determines that a second communication device of the second vehicle has received the command message.
This invention relates to vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems, specifically for ensuring reliable message delivery between vehicles. The problem addressed is the potential failure of command messages to reach a target vehicle due to communication disruptions, such as interference or signal loss. The solution involves a method for persistent message retransmission until successful receipt is confirmed. The method operates between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, where the first vehicle generates a command message intended for the second vehicle. The first vehicle repeatedly transmits this message until it receives confirmation that the second vehicle's communication device has successfully received it. The system monitors whether the second vehicle's communication device has acknowledged the message. If no acknowledgment is received, the first vehicle continues retransmitting the message. This ensures that critical commands, such as those related to safety or coordination, are reliably delivered despite transient communication issues. The method may be part of a broader system that includes vehicle controllers and communication devices designed to handle such message exchanges. The retransmission process continues until the controller confirms receipt, preventing missed commands that could lead to operational errors or safety hazards.
15. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising switching modes of the first vehicle and the second vehicle such that the second vehicle communicates the command message and the first vehicle receives the command message from the second vehicle, and the first vehicle responds to receipt of the command message by generating and communicating the status reply message to the second vehicle.
This invention relates to vehicle communication systems, specifically methods for dynamically switching communication roles between vehicles to improve message exchange reliability. The problem addressed is ensuring robust communication between vehicles when one vehicle is unable to effectively transmit or receive messages due to environmental or operational constraints. The method involves two vehicles, each capable of acting as either a transmitter or receiver of command messages. Initially, the first vehicle transmits a command message to the second vehicle, which responds with a status reply message. If communication issues arise, the system switches roles: the second vehicle then transmits the command message, while the first vehicle receives it and generates a status reply message in response. This role reversal ensures that communication continues even if one vehicle experiences transmission or reception difficulties. The method may also include determining communication quality metrics to trigger the role switch when necessary, such as signal strength or error rates. The system may further involve multiple vehicles in a network, where role switching occurs dynamically based on real-time conditions to maintain reliable message exchange. This approach enhances communication resilience in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) systems, particularly in scenarios with interference, obstructions, or hardware limitations.
16. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising: determining, by an on-board processor of the first vehicle, whether communication devices of the second vehicle and at least a third vehicle in the vehicle group have not received the command message; and generating or providing, by the on-board processor of the first vehicle, an output to an operator of the first vehicle indicating at least one of: i) receipt of the command message by each of the communication devices of the second vehicle and the at least a third vehicle is confirmed or ii) receipt of the command message by one or more of the communication devices cannot be confirmed.
This invention relates to vehicle communication systems, specifically for managing command message delivery within a group of vehicles. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable communication of command messages to all vehicles in a group, particularly when some vehicles may fail to receive or acknowledge the message. The system involves a first vehicle acting as a coordinator, transmitting a command message to other vehicles in the group, such as a second vehicle and at least a third vehicle. The on-board processor of the first vehicle monitors whether the communication devices of the second and third vehicles have received the command message. If receipt is confirmed, the system provides feedback to the operator of the first vehicle indicating successful delivery. If receipt cannot be confirmed for one or more vehicles, the system alerts the operator accordingly. This ensures the operator is aware of any communication gaps, allowing for corrective action. The method enhances coordination and safety in vehicle groups by verifying message delivery and providing clear status updates to the operator.
17. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising determining whether the command message that is received is a new command message or a previously received command message.
This invention relates to a method for processing command messages in a communication system, particularly in environments where message redundancy or repeated transmissions may occur. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently distinguish between new command messages and previously received command messages to avoid unnecessary processing or redundant actions. The method involves receiving a command message and determining whether it is a new command message or one that has been previously received. This determination helps in optimizing system performance by preventing duplicate processing of the same command. The method may also include steps such as extracting a command identifier from the received command message and comparing it with stored identifiers of previously processed commands. If the command is identified as new, it is processed accordingly; if it is a duplicate, it may be ignored or handled differently to conserve system resources. The invention is particularly useful in systems where command messages may be retransmitted due to network issues or other factors, ensuring that only unique commands are acted upon. The method enhances efficiency and reliability in command processing by reducing redundant operations.
18. A system, comprising: a first onboard computer configured to receive a command message from a first vehicle at a second vehicle, wherein the first vehicle and second vehicle are communicatively coupled to define at least a portion of a vehicle group; a second onboard computer configured to receive a status reply message from the second vehicle at the first vehicle in response to a trigger event, the status reply message including a command received count that represents a number of times that the status reply message has been received from at least one vehicle in the vehicle group other than the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the trigger event including one or more of receipt of the command message, elapse of a determined time period, or a change in an operational state of the second vehicle, and at least one of the first and second onboard computers configured to operate one or more vehicles in the vehicle group based at least in part on a determined communications status of a communication network comprising at least one communication device with respect to the command message and the status reply message, the communications status determined based on the command received count; determining a location of at least one of the second vehicle or the first vehicle where the command received count is determined.
This invention relates to a vehicle communication system for managing command and status messaging within a group of vehicles. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring reliable communication and coordination among vehicles in a group, particularly in dynamic or potentially unreliable network conditions. The system includes onboard computers in at least two vehicles, where a first onboard computer in a first vehicle receives a command message from a second vehicle, and the second onboard computer in the second vehicle sends a status reply message back to the first vehicle. The status reply message includes a command received count, which tracks how many times the message has been received by other vehicles in the group. The system triggers the status reply based on events such as receiving the command, a time elapsed, or a change in the second vehicle's operational state. The onboard computers use this count to assess the communication network's status and adjust vehicle operations accordingly. The system also determines the location of the vehicles involved to further refine communication reliability. This approach ensures that command and status information is accurately propagated and acted upon within the vehicle group, improving coordination and safety.
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September 20, 2019
March 1, 2022
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